If you’ve ever doubted God, questioned His plan, or experiences periods of unbelief then you are not alone. In fact, you are in good company!
John the Baptist was once the baby who leapt within his mother’s womb at the presence of Jesus within Mary in Luke 1:39-45. He grew up to preach about the coming Messiah. He even had the privilege to baptize Jesus and witness God claiming Him as His son. Even this man had his doubts that Jesus truly was who He said He was.
Luke 7:18-28
Jesus and John the Baptist
18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”
21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’[b]
28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
Thoughts
In Luke 7:18-35 we see John the Baptist sending his own disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the Messiah that the people have been waiting for. In this passage, John is imprisoned and likely knows that he will soon die. When faced with his own mortality, he wants to double check that the faith he will soon die for is true.
From this story we gain insight into the loving nature of Jesus. He doesn’t rebuke John for his disbelief. He doesn’t ridicule him or berate him. Jesus simply points to the miracles He has done and tells John’s disciples to report back what they have witnessed.
Do you notice how Jesus doesn’t actually answer the question? That is a common theme throughout the gospels. Jesus will answer a question with a parable, an action or even another question. But rarely does He directly answer a question posed to Him with a simple and clear answer. This can irritate us as we read the Bible just as it likely irritated the individuals who posed the original questions.
Yet this beat around the bush style of conversation is purposeful. It allows the listener to come to the right conclusion. Just like how a good teacher in school helps you answer your own question, Jesus as the BEST teacher helps you do the same.
In verse 28 Jesus tells those listening that among those born of women (so basically everyone) there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God greater than he. In other words, no one is greater or less than you because of what you struggle with. Jesus doesn’t look down on John because of his doubt. Likewise Jesus doesn’t think less of you when you doubt Him. We, in turn, should not look down on other people because their struggles are different than ours.
That means that I am not better than someone else if I don’t sin in the same way that they do. My sin is no better or worse than theirs in God’s eyes. I am equally in need of repentance and salvation as anyone else. I can count it as a blessing that I don’t struggle with the same sin issues that others face, but that does not, in any way, diminish the magnitude of my own sin. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. We have been measured against His Heavenly standards and have been found wanting. We ALL need Him, regardless of which particular sins we struggle with.
So what should we do with our big, scary, deep questions? We can look to John the Baptist’s example and humbly take them to Jesus because He loves you. The best part is, we don’t have to send other people to talk to Jesus on our behalf. We can pray to God without any intermediary interceding for us. So take your fears, take your questions, and take your doubts directly to Jesus. Lay them at the cross.
Questions to consider
- Why does John the Baptist doubt Jesus
- How does Jesus respond to our doubt?
- What does this tell us about ourselves? About Jesus?
- How will you combat your doubt in the future?
Thanks for reading this Bible Study! I hope you enjoyed it! If you want to check out some of the other Bible studies I have written as I led a small group through Luke, check out the links below!
How to Combat Temptation – Luke 4:1-13 Click HERE
What To Do When Your Friends Reject the Gospel – Luke 4:14-30 Click HERE
How to Become Fishers of Men – Luke 5:1-11 Click HERE
What do YOU think?
Leave a thought below!
Emily Baer 
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